6 Best Home Warranty Companies in Westbrook, ME

How Does a Home Warranty Work?

A home warranty is a protection plan that assists Westbrook homeowners cut the expenses of appliance and system repairs. The plans offer financial coverage to fix or replace appliances and systems that malfunction due to normal wear and tear.

When something breaks down, you file a claim and pay a service fee. The home warranty company then finds a contractor to handle the fix or replacement. Homeowners may have out-of-pocket costs only if the repair or replacement exceeds the item's coverage limit. A home warranty gives homeowners reassurance, as it helps avoid high-priced emergency repairs. The coverage is particularly helpful for owners of older houses or houses with fixtures near the end of their life span. However, people with newer homes and functioning appliances may not need a home warranty.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

Home warranties cover many home systems and appliances. Common covered appliances include refrigerators, garbage disposals, microwaves, dishwashers, washers, dryers, and more. Protected systems include electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, and heating. Various home warranty plans offer add-on coverage for septic systems, central vacuums, roof leaks, and even locksmiths. It's important for Westbrook homeowners to know that most home warranty policies have a 30-day period you must wait before they will cover the cost of any repairs. Additionally, most policies only cover repairs and replacements needed due to normal wear and tear. Home warranties don't cover problems such as cosmetic issues, natural disasters, pre-existing conditions, or improper use of a system or appliance. It's important to keep up with preventative maintenance to help ensure that your next repair or replacement is covered by the policy.

Key Home Warranty Terms to Know

There are a number of home warranty terms to learn before signing an agreement, including:

• Service fee: The out-of-pocket cost per claim that you pay for contractor access and repair coverage.
• Claim approval: The process by which your provider determines whether a requested repair or replacement is covered under your warranty.
• Contract rate: The rate that your home warranty provider has pre-negotiated with its contractors. Normally, this rate is lower than what you'd pay retail.
• Endorsements: Additional coverage for systems like well pumps, pools, and septic, which usually comes with a fee for each add-on.
• Coverage limits: How much money your warranty provider will pay for specific repairs or replacements. Check limits on repairs for things like appliances, roof leaks, and air conditioning units.
• Deductible: The amount you're responsible for before your warranty covers the remainder of the cost. Deductibles apply to covered repairs and may be on a per-claim or yearly basis.
• Trade call fee: An added fee that you'll sometimes need to pay for appliance-related claims.

If you remember these terms and key factors, it’ll help you understand costs and select a home warranty tailored to protecting your most vital home systems. Make sure to talk to providers about coverage specifics when getting a quote, so you can avoid unexpected fees.

Key Factors in Choosing a Home Warranty Company

There are several important considerations when selecting a home warranty provider:

Coverage Options

Home warranty coverage can have major differences in what's included. Most plans include protection for electrical, plumbing, heating, AC, and appliances. More robust coverage options also offer coverage on other items such as roof leaks, well pumps, pools, and spas. Look for companies with flexible coverage choices, including upgraded plans. This allows you to customize your plan to your home's needs.

Service Fees

You'll pay a repair fee, normally ranging from $60–100 for each claim filed with your home warranty provider. These per-claim charges can quickly add up, so you may look for providers advertising lower service fees to optimize savings on each repair claim. Certain companies may eliminate deductibles after a customer goes a period of time with no claims filed.

Reputation

A home warranty company's track record gives insight into things such as claim approval rates, timeliness of repairs, contractor quality, and overall customer satisfaction. Look at third-party review sites such as Google Reviews, TrustPilot, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to research providers. Complimentary ratings and reviews indicate a company known for stellar service.

Contractor Network

Home warranty providers use networks of local repair professionals to manage repairs in a given area. Reach out to potential companies to ask how many repair technicians they have in Westbrook and get an idea of how fast your repairs could be handled in an emergency. Bigger networks improve the chance of getting qualified contractors to quickly service your home.

Added Benefits

Some home warranty companies may include perks such as smart home device coverage, reduced maintenance fees, and energy efficiency upgrades. These can offer extra value beyond repair coverage. Added bonuses help you enhance your home and get the most from your warranty policy.

Is a Home Warranty Worth it in Westbrook?

---

Benefits of a Home Warranty

Since temperatures in Westbrook can hit the negatives in the winter, the extreme weather can put a lot of strain on your heating system. Getting a home warranty can help homeowners save money if one of these systems or appliances stops working suddenly.

A home warranty also can also save you time and energy. Instead of spending hours researching and selecting a technician to fix your appliance or system, home warranty companies do the hard work for you and send a trusted professional to your door whenever you need them. Plus, though it varies by company, some providers will allow you to transfer your warranty in the event that you sell your home. This can make your property more attractive to potential homebuyers and help your home sell faster.

Downsides of a Home Warranty

There are also some drawbacks to getting a home warranty plan, like the coverage exclusions. For example, home warranties may not cover home systems or appliances that are already covered under a manufacturer's warranty.

Plus, if you don’t maintain your home systems or appliances properly, or if they need repairs or replacements due to a natural disaster or animal infestation — anything besides normal wear and tear — the home warranty may not cover it.